Contents

Design

3D Universe

Resembling a 1987–1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ (as evidenced by its rectangular headlights and signal lights) and differing by its horizontal grille element design, the vehicle is evidently a compact SUV with a heightened ground clearance and large wheels to facilitate offroading. The vehicle comes in three variations with regards to the occupants' compartment, including a canvas top, a rollbar, or nothing at all. The vehicle can only seat two, despite having additional back seats.

Grand Theft Auto V

The vehicle is now depicted as a four-door SUV that resembles the 2007-2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, while the front fascia and grille resemble that of a UAZ-469, since there are now circular headlights instead of square headlights. The tailights are rather generic and different from a Jeep Wrangler, having only two circular lights per side (a red light and a reverse light).

Also featured in Grand Theft Auto V is the inclusion of a special lifted variant, which is primarily used by Merryweather Security. It is also dubbed "Mesa". It features unique suspension which raises the vehicle higher, as well as an external exoskeleton. Like the regular Mesa, it may appear with or without removable hard-top.

This variant also features various military enhancements such as reinforced bumpers, skid plates, a winch, separate side steps and a full tubular exo-skeleton with a roof rack and high-power lamps on the roof and the extra front bull bar. The SUV also has sections of the body and wheel arches removed to provide capacity for larger wheels & tires and to allow for greater lateral suspension travel. To afford the SUV water-wading capability, a snorkel has been fitted.

This vehicle comes in either black, desert tan, and olive drab, which are the default colors in scripted appearances of Merryweather, but as like any vehicle, various colors can be applied.

Version History Gallery

Performance

3D Universe

Its performance is similar to that of the Blista Compact and Sentinel, due to its light weight and short wheelbase, and it is significantly nimble and possesses above average pickup and torque than speed. However, as a compact SUV, it only has a moderate top speed. Its light weight and stiff suspension may also result in frequent rollovers on uneven terrain or in accidents. It is powered by a diesel engine, which is large and powerful. The engine has been an inline throughout the 3D universe.

Grand Theft Auto V

Mesa

The Mesa has an average top speed and good acceleration due to its light weight. However, it has a wide turning radius and needs to be driven moderately. The vehicle performs well off-road due to its full 4WD drivetrain and light weight, and it has excellent torque which allows it to climb very steep hills. Durability is excellent, as the vehicle is able to take considerable abuse from gunfire and collisions before the engine fails. The Mesa is also capable of an impressive amount of momentum once it gathers speed, rivalling larger cars like the Emperor in its ability to force its way through obstacles and roadblocks.

It appears to be powered by a V8 engine (as suggested by the engine cover), coupled to a 5-speed gearbox in a front engine, all wheel drive layout (10%-90%, front to rear torque distribution).

Merryweather

The Merryweather Mesa is slightly inferior in terms of performance to the Mesa, but makes up for the shortcoming with its improved off-roading capabilities and durability. It is capable of reaching decent top speeds, but its high center of gravity could make it prone to tipping over quite easily, an issue which can easily be rectified by lowering the suspension at Los Santos Customs. It is fairly hard to damage a large amount, due to its protective tubular exoskeleton. Performance-wise, the Merryweather Mesa is equipped with impressive torque, allowing it to climb near-vertical hills, giving it much ability to surpass the standard Mesa.

It appears to be powered by a V8 engine (as suggested by the engine cover), coupled to a 5-speed gearbox in a front engine, all wheel drive layout (10%-90%, front to rear torque distribution).

Snow

A snow covered variant, which can only be seen during the mission Bury the Hatchet is featured in the game. It has almost the same features as any snowy vehicle, featuring chains on its tyres and ice on the windows.

Merryweather

An off-road variant of the Mesa is used by Merryweather Security, commonly referred to as the "Merryweather Mesa". Like the Standard and Snow variants, it can spawn either with or without a roof canopy.

Parked next to the curb of the Paleto Tattoo parlor on Duluoz Avenue in Paleto Bay.

Merryweather Mesa

The Merryweather Mesa does not normally spawn on the streets or in a specific location, however, four missions allow the player to obtain it:

Minor Turbulence - After Trevor crashes the Duster into the Cargo Plane and enters the jet's hold, several Merryweather Mesas can be found sliding around in the cargo hold. Once the plane has to be ditched, the player can choose to get in one of the Mesas before it falls out of the plane, then drive out of the rear of the jet. It is worth mentioning that keeping the Mesa after this mission is incredibly difficult, as the player will usually land in the Alamo Sea with quite some distance to go before reaching the shore. However, if the player manages to fly over land before needing to ditch the plane, it is possible to take one of the Mesas and land on the ground.

The Wrap Up - Numerous Mesas can be found in the parking lot after Merryweather arrive at the Kortz Center. You are able to keep it after the mission.

Meltdown - When Merryweather reinforcements arrive in the Mesas, steal one and store it in Michael's garage before continuing with the mission. It will still be there post-mission.

The Third Way: - This mission is the only instance in the game where any of the three protagonists can obtain a Merryweather Mesa, and is also the sole mission in the game where Franklin Clinton can obtain one. After all three protagonists exit the Foundry building, four Merryweather Mesas spawn; three arrive where the Buzzard engages the player with mercenaries on board, while the fourth can be found vacant a short distance away. To obtain one, simply kill the mercenaries nearby before escaping the foundry. The mission will fail. To keep the Mesa, quit the mission. Afterwards, simply drive the Mesa to one of the safehouses or garages and store it, then start the mission again.

Note: Trying to replay any of the above missions in an attempt to obtain the Mesa will not work.

Grand Theft Auto Online

Mesa

The normal Canis Mesa can be found around Blaine County and Los Santos.

Merryweather Mesa

As of patch 1.17, Merryweather Mesas obtained during missions cannot be stored in the player's garage or modified at Los Santos Customs.

As of the Heists Update, the Merryweather Mesa can now be bought from Warstock Cache & Carry for $87,000, making it much easier for inexperienced or low-level players to gain access to the vehicle, and much earlier in the game.

A Merryweather Mesa with bullet-proof tires is available on the SecuroServ menu in free mode for Associates and Bodyguards (but not VIPs and CEOs) for $5000, or for free if owned.

The only way to obtain a Merryweather Mesa for storage and modification without buying it is to call Merryweather and set mercenaries on another player for $7,500. It is best to do this method with a friend, as a random player will likely retaliate if targeted. After around one minute, mercenaries will begin spawning in Mesas near the targeted player. Steal one of the Mesas, killing the mercenaries yourself if you have to, then drive it to Los Santos Customs to purchase a tracker and insurance. The targeted player can also steal and store the spawned Mesa in a similar manner. Make sure no dead mercenaries are left in the vehicle (i.e. enter the Mesa through the front passenger door), otherwise you will not be able to enter your garage to install a tracker. If this is the case, simply take the damaged Mesa to Los Santos Customs and respray it, as this will remove the dead mercenaries from the vehicle.

Alternatively, have another player send Merryweather after you. It is reccomended that you bring an armoured vehicle such as the Armoured Kuruma or Insurgent. Simply remain in the area and shoot at the soldiers approaching you in Mesas. After a while, the Police will become alerted if you continue to kill the Mercenaries, so it is advised that you make your escape after you clear a way through for you and your chosen Mesa. Once this is done, evade the Mercenaries until you can make it to a branch of Los Santos Customs and go about insuring the new vehicle.

Trivia

General

The vehicle plays the following radio stations by default when entered:

The name of the vehicle is a reference of the geological formation of the same name, an elevated area of land with a flat top and sides that are usually steep cliffs. It takes its name from its characteristic table-top shape. As an off road vehicle, the name implies it can pass through mesa areas easily.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

In GTA San Andreas, if an overweight Grove Street gang member sits on the passenger seat, the seat will completely disappear and in its place will be his body. The seat will reappear again once the gang member exits the vehicle.

Grand Theft Auto V

Mesa

Whether the Snow variant of the Mesa spawns with a top or not, the interior is still clean for some reason.

Given that the Snow variant of the Mesa can only be seen immediately before the shootout in the Churchyard begins (and is absent afterwards) it is likely that the vehicle was obtained by Trevor as a getaway car to escape with.

Merryweather Mesa

The Mesa can be modified at any Los Santos Customs in both GTA V and GTA Online. However, the bodywork cannot be modified. Furthermore, it cannot be sold as of patch 1.08.

The Mesa's inability to be sold was fixed as of patch 1.27, however, players with existing Mesas prior to patch cannot sell them.

As is the case with the Bodhi, when switching to high beams, the roll cage lights will activate.

Despite possessing a snorkel, it cannot ford into deep water and will stall. However, its increased height means that it can ford water effortlessly, so long as the water doesn't cover its engine bay.

Even if the wheels are modified, the spare tire is always the default one.

To change the color of the default wheels, the player must purchase custom tires and select the color of choice. Switching back to the stock tires afterward should change the rim color, including the spare tire on the back. It seems that it was patched, as any attempt to do this will change into the usual coloring of the wheels.

However, this is only possible before the 1.18 update.

Grand Theft Auto Online

In GTA Online, it can be selected as both Off-road and SUV in a race, but the Crusader appears only in the "SUV" list, despite being slower, not luxurious and highly used as an off-road vehicle.